Representatives of Investigative Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia, in coordination with the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia, have exposed a case of import tax evasion involving re-export of vehicles. As a result of criminal scheme damage caused to the state budget exceeds GEL 548 809.

As part of the investigation, 3 individuals have been detained and charges have been brought against 16 people. One of these individuals was charged in absentia, as they had been avoiding appearing before the investigative authority.

The investigation determined that, between 2025 and 2026, members of an organized group used forged documents to fictitiously register vehicles under a re-export regime. They also involved 15 foreign citizens in the scheme, paying them in exchange for their participation in these activities. Under this scheme, a total of 138 vehicles were placed under the re-export regime; however, they failed to leave the territory of Georgia within the timeframe stipulated by law. In such cases, the vehicles are considered to have entered the import procedure and the applicable taxes and duties must be paid.

The failure to pay import-related charges resulted in a damage of GEL 548 809.38 to the state budget.

Investigation is underway under the Articles 210 and 185 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which envisages imprisonment for a term of 4 to 7 years.